SCOOP : New HM Ambassador (CS Version)

This is a discussion on SCOOP : New HM Ambassador (CS Version) within The Indian Car Scene, part of the BHP India category; SCOOP! Sub-4 metre Ambassador | Autocar India
The car surely looks appalling.
Never knew that the Amby's 1/5 liter engine ...

It used to develop 40 BHP when it was first introduced in late 1970s. Even then it was heavily underpowered. The car barely crossed 70 KMPH speed. That's why it never became popular except with taxi operators. Even they shifted to Indica and Sumo later. Its petrol sibling (from which it was derived) developed 50 BHP. It seems power has gone down further as a result of HM trying to meet emission norms without turbocharging. The engine is based on 1950s design and should be phased out. But then HM will be HM!

Wish they could go back to their old designs and fine tune them. Post Mark III, frontal shape change wasn't good looking (for me). Actually they can do a lot by fine tuning those old look.

sir i exactly understand what you mean. Inface during the research phase it was found that most of the current generation amby users were actually replacing there plastic bumpers with metal ones. On a terribly offtopic subject, why cant they do something like this??. Maybe not as exagerrated but something on similar lines..

The car surely looks appalling.
Never knew that the Amby's 1/5 liter engine produced Puny 35BHP.

Why are we still having this here? Did it need the upgrade?
Could they not go for a newer platform?

Is it for the classic looks that people will still buy it?
The bureaucrats don't need this anymore.
Taxis don't run this anymore.

Amused

The 35bhp 1.5L Amby would struggle to hit 90-95km/h (according to the oscillating needles). Ive been in one several times.

I still don't understand why HM are not going in for a modern reincarnation of the Amby like the Fiat 500/Mini.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amitg79

I don't think this model will be a hit with the politicians. With the boot shortened, how will they transport all their black money?

+1 I like you thinking!

Quote:

Originally Posted by directinjection

It used to develop 40 BHP when it was first introduced in late 1970s. Even then it was heavily underpowered. The car barely crossed 70 KMPH speed. That's why it never became popular except with taxi operators. Even they shifted to Indica and Sumo later. Its petrol sibling (from which it was derived) developed 50 BHP. It seems power has gone down further as a result of HM trying to meet emission norms without turbocharging. The engine is based on 1950s design and should be phased out. But then HM will be HM!

I was reading some supplement on the Amby and came to know that the only major change incorporated in the engine over its life was a change from side valve design to overhead valves.

Try imagining a modern version of our own Amby, it would end up something like a MINI ! Come on HM, 60 years is terrrribly long for a car model. Even the first customers might not be alive today. Give us something worthy, so that HM at least comes close to the radar of today's customer. The pick-up versions or the CS versions of the Amby just wont help bump up your sales or profits

Whatever little or much the covered portion reveals, I can try to speculate that the sloping rear boot is akin to the 1950's Fiat Elegant (that we call Dukkars).Let us see whether the Pune based design house has retained the classic looks of this great car, now being manufactured since 53 years by HM here in India.
The 1500DSL is the 1489 cc BMC diesel, now tweaked to BS III norms and with a 5 speed gearbox. It is the darling of the Kolkata taxi trade.The 35.5 bhp/13.7 kgm torque that it generates should not be surprising, seeing that it is a crude and archaic design.The 1200 Kg (kerb weight) car is moved by this kinda engine whose NVH levels are one of the worst in today's car market.
The turbo charging is expected to tweak up the power output.And the sub 4 metre length will reduce its price by an expected Rs 30 K, as ACI reports.The reduced weight and the reduced price should be catalysts for propelling its sale in the taxi market all over India. And proper marketing should also see this car doing well as a privately owned car in rural India too.Marketing is something thats alien to HM these days. Look at what they have done with Mitsubishi and also to the good old Amby which sells only 300-400 cars a month, with most of the sales being taxi replacements in the Kolkata market (the HC order banning 15 year plus commercial vehicles).

If the price of the Ambassador can be reduced and brought to Indica levels, the sales might increase. The seating position in the Amby is better than in the Indy and space is better. My only problem would be with the engine. Something has to be done to increase torque and FE.

Regarding the shape, a flattened back would look horrible. Going back to Landmaster looks won't be too bad an idea (I personally liked the looks).

Could not agree more. HM have been lethargic in recent years. There seems to be no clear vision of its future and major investments in its auto business have dried up. Even the agreement with Mitsubishi seems to be given step-child treatment. From numero uno a few decades ago, to a mere contract manufacturer presently, now is the time for hard decisions at HM.